In this message, we look at the First Commandment--not as a harsh rule, but as a gracious invitation from a loving God. When the Lord says, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” He is calling His redeemed people to live with undivided hearts for Him. Rooted in God’s identity as our Creator, Redeemer, Judge, Savior, and Lawgiver, this sermon helps us recognize the subtle “rival gods” that compete for our trust and loyalty—whether the opinions of others, the pursuit of security or success, or the voices of culture and self. As we examine our hearts in the light of God’s Word, we are reminded that true freedom and wholeness are found not in divided allegiance, but in loving the Lord without rivals and placing Him back at the center of our lives.

In this message, we look at the First Commandment--not as a harsh rule, but as a gracious invitation from a loving God. When the Lord says, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” He is calling His redeemed people to live with undivided hearts for Him. Rooted in God’s identity as our Creator, Redeemer, Judge, Savior, and Lawgiver, this sermon helps us recognize the subtle “rival gods” that compete for our trust and loyalty—whether the opinions of others, the pursuit of security or success, or the voices of culture and self. As we examine our hearts in the light of God’s Word, we are reminded that true freedom and wholeness are found not in divided allegiance, but in loving the Lord without rivals and placing Him back at the center of our lives.

This message introduces The Law of Love series by showing that the Ten Commandments were never given as a way to earn salvation, but as a gift of grace to shape a redeemed people. Beginning with God’s rescue of Israel from slavery, we see how the Law reveals God’s character, exposes our sin, and points us to our need for a Savior. Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly on our behalf, and He summed it up in two great commands—to love God and to love others. Under the New Covenant, God writes His Law not on tablets of stone but on human hearts through the Holy Spirit, forming a people who live in true freedom, shaped by love rather than legalism.

This message introduces The Law of Love series by showing that the Ten Commandments were never given as a way to earn salvation, but as a gift of grace to shape a redeemed people. Beginning with God’s rescue of Israel from slavery, we see how the Law reveals God’s character, exposes our sin, and points us to our need for a Savior. Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly on our behalf, and He summed it up in two great commands—to love God and to love others. Under the New Covenant, God writes His Law not on tablets of stone but on human hearts through the Holy Spirit, forming a people who live in true freedom, shaped by love rather than legalism.

We explore how God established the ministry of deacons to meet practical needs, support spiritual leadership, and protect the unity of the church. In a moment of tension and growth, the early church responded by calling faithful servants to step forward. The result was a strengthened fellowship and a Gospel that continued to spread with power. As our church ordains and commissions deacons, this sermon reminds us that healthy churches are built on humble service, shared ministry, and a commitment to unity for the glory of God.

We explore how God established the ministry of deacons to meet practical needs, support spiritual leadership, and protect the unity of the church. In a moment of tension and growth, the early church responded by calling faithful servants to step forward. The result was a strengthened fellowship and a Gospel that continued to spread with power. As our church ordains and commissions deacons, this sermon reminds us that healthy churches are built on humble service, shared ministry, and a commitment to unity for the glory of God.

This last sermon in our "Saving Christmas" Advent series reminds us that Christmas is not about what we buy or receive, but about the self-giving love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Scripture defines love not by feelings or sentimentality, but by sacrifice—ultimately seen in God giving His Son for us. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8, the message calls believers to demonstrate that love through generous, grace-filled giving. When love is defined by God, displayed at Christmas, and demonstrated through giving, Christmas is rescued from becoming all about stuff and restored to its true meaning.

This last sermon in our "Saving Christmas" Advent series reminds us that Christmas is not about what we buy or receive, but about the self-giving love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Scripture defines love not by feelings or sentimentality, but by sacrifice—ultimately seen in God giving His Son for us. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8, the message calls believers to demonstrate that love through generous, grace-filled giving. When love is defined by God, displayed at Christmas, and demonstrated through giving, Christmas is rescued from becoming all about stuff and restored to its true meaning.

In this message we explore how the Bible presents a far more honest—and hopeful—picture of Christmas than cultural nostalgia allows. From the grief surrounding Jesus’ birth to the cries of God’s people in exile, Scripture reminds us that Christ entered a broken world, not a Hallmark one. True joy, therefore, is not a fragile feeling dependent on circumstances, but a resilient, Spirit-given gift rooted in God’s unchanging character and saving work. This message calls us to receive and practice a deeper joy—fostered in the Spirit and shared with others, and that ultimately points us to Jesus as the only source of joy strong enough to sustain us in every season of life.

In this message we explore how the Bible presents a far more honest—and hopeful—picture of Christmas than cultural nostalgia allows. From the grief surrounding Jesus’ birth to the cries of God’s people in exile, Scripture reminds us that Christ entered a broken world, not a Hallmark one. True joy, therefore, is not a fragile feeling dependent on circumstances, but a resilient, Spirit-given gift rooted in God’s unchanging character and saving work. This message calls us to receive and practice a deeper joy—fostered in the Spirit and shared with others, and that ultimately points us to Jesus as the only source of joy strong enough to sustain us in every season of life.